For most students who want to attend a foreign university, money is a huge issue. Getting a scholarship has become tough these days but not impossible. Here are a few that you can take a look at. Application times change, so keep checking the websites for dates.

New Zealand Excellence

These scholarships are jointly funded by New Zealand universities and Education New Zealand. There are 25 postgraduate and nine undergraduate ones.

• Who can apply: Indian citizens with offer letters from any of the eight universities in New Zealand.

• Benefits: Covers the tuition fee of the first semester in New Zealand. Each postgraduate awardee will get NZD 5,000 (about Rs 2,33,100) while an undergraduate one will receive NZD 10,000 (around Rs 4,66,200).

• When to apply: Applications are now open.

MEXT Japan

The Japanese Government Scholarship is for foreigners studying for a bachelor's degree (1+4 years) at a Japanese university, college of technology (1+3 years) or training college (1+2 years). You have to first do a one-year course in the language as all classes are held in Japanese.

• Who can apply: Students with minimum 75 per cent marks in Class XII board exams. Date of birth should match the criteria mentioned by the consulate general of Japan. You also have to pass a written test.

• Benefits: Free tuition, a monthly stipend including accommodation and a return air ticket.

• When to apply: Usually around May.

Commonwealth

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK awards over 800 scholarships and fellowships to postgraduate applicants each year.

• Who can apply: A Commonwealth citizen. Candidates should be able to join the course in the UK by the start of the new academic year, that is, September or October.

• Benefits: Economy return travel, tuition fee, adequate maintenance and other allowances.

• When to apply: Usually in August.

Hubert H. Humphrey

The fellowship programme aims to bring young, experienced professionals from developing countries to the US. Approximately 200 fellowships are awarded annually across fields, including Communication/ Journalism, HR Management, Agricultural and Rural Development, and Finance and Banking.

• Who can apply: Professionals with an undergraduate degree, work experience of at least five years, strong English language and leadership skills, limited or no prior experience in the US and a record of public service.

• Benefits: Tuition fee, living costs including a one-time settling-in allowance, a one-time computer subsidy, air travel, professional development allowance for activities such as field trips, professional visits and conferences.

• When to apply: Usually in June each year but exact dates should be cross checked.

Aga Khan

The Aga Khan scholarships are awarded on a 50 per cent scholarship and 50 per cent loan basis. The scholarship does not cater to short-term courses.

• Who can apply: Applicant should belong to a developing country such as India, Syria, Pakistan Bangladesh, Uganda, Tanzania or Egypt. Preference is given to applicants who are below 30 years of age. You need an excellent academic record along with genuine financial need.

• Benefits: Two years of financial benefits for PhD applicants, including tuition fees and cost of living; travel expenses are not included.

• When to apply: Application process usually starts in January (exact dates may vary region-wise).